Jobs in Brazil

Foreigners looking for jobs in Brazil may find that actually landing a job can be a challenge. It's not impossible of course, but for anyone who is not Brazilian by birth, the job application and interviewing process could be quite discouraging unless you're aware of a few important things.

The Work Permit

This is perhaps the most difficult part of obtaining employment in Brazil. Every person from a foreign country must obtain a work permit before entering the country to find a job. United States citizens must also apply for a Visa in addition to the work permit before entering the country. What is the best way to obtain a work permit?

You could talk to your current employer to see if perhaps there are job openings in Brazil. Even if there is a job available, this situation can be tricky. It is required by Brazil that your company train a Brazilian along with you to perform the same job. When the work permit ends, the Brazilian will be given the permanent job and you will be sent back to your home country. It's an opportunity however to work in Brazil and get training while making a living. Call it an adventure if you will!

Living and Working Permanently in Brazil

Can a foreigner do this? Yes! You could marry a Brazilian, obtain a residency permit, and stay in the country legally. Or, if you are financially capable, you can deposit a minimum of $200,000 into the National Bank of Brazil in order to stay.

This deposit demonstrates to the country of Brazil that you are prepared to make an investment into the country by starting your own business or company. You will then be permitted to stay if you have the correct paperwork, which could include a Visa, passport, and definitely a work permit.

Brazilians Need Jobs Too

Despite the fact that Brazil is one of the most technologically advanced economies in the world, jobs aren't always readily available even for the Brazilian people who live there, so it's not necessarily in the country's best interest to give jobs to foreigners over their own people.

Brazilians are emerging from universities with a top-notch education and are ready to work in their home country. It makes perfect sense that the companies in Brazil want to employ their own people before considering a foreigner for a job.

Salary is also something to think about - Brazilians will often perform the same job you will, but at a fraction of the salary.

A smart company wants to see a certain figure on the bottom line and paying Brazilian workers is much less expensive for them than paying someone from another country. Keep this in mind as you look for jobs in Brazil.

Tips for Getting Jobs in Brazil

Speak the language! This is the best way to gain respect and get a second look from a potential employer in Brazil. Learn to speak fluent Portuguese and you will have more of a chance of getting your foot in the door than anyone who doesn't speak the language.

You've heard the saying, it's who you know, not what you know? It's true in Brazil too. It helps immensely to know a Brazilian who is already working in the field you are interested in working in so that he or she can open doors for you that would otherwise be closed to a foreigner.

Spend some time in the country getting to know people first if possible and then apply for jobs after you have made some personal connections.

Jobs in Brazil - Potential Opportunities

Teaching English - you could teach the English language in Brazil if you have a Bachelor's Degree from a college or university or are qualified through TEFL. TEFL is an international organization that trains and certifies people from around the world to teach the English language in countries where there is a need.

Become an au pair - you could be hired to live with a family and care for their children full time. The job could also entail some other light household duties. Au pairs will travel with the family too, so you could see other parts of Brazil or even other countries while being paid to do your job.

Work in the tourist industry - Brazil is famous for tourism given their gorgeous beaches and fantastic festivals, so there is always a need for workers in the tourism industry. Restaurants, cruise ships, hotels, and airlines are just a few possible outlets for available jobs.

Agricultural jobs - there are jobs in Brazil working on large farms. You will work hard, long hours, but if you enjoy working outside, this could be a good fit for you.

White collar and blue-collar jobs - jobs in computers, research, mining, education, marketing, manufacturing, and oil processing are often available to qualified applicants. The green movement or environmental jobs are also available in Brazil with certain companies.

Be aware that sometimes these jobs are viewed as simply volunteer opportunities and not paid jobs. Ask questions and get the agreement between you and your employer in writing before signing any final agreement.

Salaries in Brazil

How much can you expect to make working in Brazil? Here are some salary ranges for a few jobs. Notice the disparity between beginning salaries and potential salaries at the top of the range.

Judge - $150,00 - $300,000

Civil Engineer - $50,000 - $350,000

Computer Systems Analyst - $24,000 - $180,000

Lawyer - $20,000 - $3,000,000

Professors - $20,000 - $300,000

Physician - $40,000 - $1,500,000

Where to Find Jobs in Brazil

Even though it is difficult for non-Brazilians to find work in Brazil, there are many possibilities that can open up through personal contact and networking. In addition, there are some online resources that can help you find work.

Most of these are written in Portuguese, so you'll need to have good written language skills as well as speaking ability in order to apply

Catho.com.br is another job listing site that provides 7 days of free access.

Latpro.com is a bilingual site for Brazilian and Hispanic professionals who are looking for jobs in the U.S.

Jobs in Brazil - Brazil's Economy

Brazil is a rapidly growing country with one of the healthier economies in the world compared to other countries. It's been predicted that Brazil could become one of the most powerful countries in the world in the years to come given the rate of growth they've experienced for the last several years.

Recent discovery of oil reserves along Brazilian shores adds to the potential for economic growth in the country.

Brazil is a competitive country in the area of financial stability and economic growth. They're striving to compete with countries like China, Russia, and India in the area of a strong economy. Some say they are gaining great strides and will be a country to watch in the coming years.

Share Your Tips and Questions About Finding Work in Brazil

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